Western District of Tennessee
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Dustin Via, 42, of Medina, Tennessee has been sentenced to 92 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute over 5 grams of actual methamphetamine. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on May 31, 2019, agents with the 28th Judicial Drug Task Force were completing the execution of an arrest warrant at Via's residence in Medina, Tennessee for his March 29, 2018 sale of six grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Gibson County. During the search, agents found 34 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and six ecstasy pills. The methamphetamine was sent to the DEA laboratory which confirmed that the substance was 100 % pure methamphetamine. Via had $780.oo on his person and he was subsequently placed into custody.
Via admitted to law enforcement that he did not have a legitimate job and that he sold methamphetamine for income. He further admitted that the $780.00 came from his sale of illegal narcotics. At the time of this offense, Via was also on state probation for two felony convictions for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell.
On May 6, 2021, Via pled guilty to the one-count indictment in this case charging him with possessing with the intent to distribute over 5 grams of actual methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. 841(a)(1).
On August 11, 2021, U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Via to 92 months' imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the West Tennessee Judicial Violent Crime & Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Federal Jury Convicts Ripley Felon for Illegally Possessing Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Michael Shane Rogers, 37, of Ripley has been found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in court, on August 6, 2018, an ATF Special Agent received information from a confidential informant that Rogers—who was on probation—illegally possessed a firearm as a convicted felon at his house in Lauderdale County.
On August 9, 2018, ATF Special Agents and several Lauderdale County Sheriff's Officers went to the residence on Curve Nanikpoo Road in Ripley, Tennessee. Before law enforcement could reach the door, Rogers came out of the house and stated that he knew why they were there and that he had the "same the thing as last time." (This admission referred to his 2011 arrest for possession of marijuana with intent and a firearm.) Rogers gave written consent to search the property and signed a Miranda waiver.
Investigators found an unloaded .22 caliber rifle behind the front door and .30-06 ammunition in the living room in a nightstand drawer. During a recorded statement, Rogers acknowledged possessing the firearm and ammunition. After being transported to the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, Rogers gave a second interview acknowledging that he was a convicted felon and possession of the firearm and ammunition. He concluded the interview with "I guess I'm going to federal prison. I had the gun in the house. I knew the risk. It was mine."
As a result of his prior felony conviction, Rogers is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 9, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, where Rogers faces up to 120 months of imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean G. Hord and Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Calkins are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
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Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to 4 Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jacobly Whitehead, 27, of Greenwood, Mississippi, has pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the plea today.
According to information presented in court, on February 10, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered Cricket Wireless on S. Third Street at approximately 5:50 p.m., pointed a black handgun at employees, and demanded money from the cash registers. Taking approximately $1,700, he then fled the scene.
On February 22, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered the Metro PCS on S. Third Street at approximately 6:30 p.m., where he struck an employee with a black handgun and demanded money from the cash registers. He stole a firearm from an employee and approximately $2,000 and fled on foot. The suspect matched the description of the suspect of the robbery on February 10, 2020. The businesses were located within walking distance.
On March 17, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered the Cricket Wireless on S. Third Street at approximately 9:30 a.m., pointed a black handgun at employees, and demanded cash from the register. While leaving the store, Whitehead struck an employee in the head with his pistol. He fled in a red Chevrolet Equinox which had several unique markings and visible features.
On March 31, 2020, Whitehead, an unknown suspect at the time, entered the Metro PCS on E. Shelby Drive at approximately 4:00 p.m., wearing a facemask and the same clothing as the suspect in the March 17, 2020 robbery. He pointed a black handgun at the employees, took approximately $800 from the register, and fled the scene in a red Chevrolet Equinox, with several similar unique markings. Prior to the robbery, the suspect entered the Dollar General behind the Metro PCS with his face uncovered and was captured on surveillance video.
Officers with MPD's Safe Streets Task Force located a possible suspect vehicle owned by a woman who lived on Court Street. This address was within walking distance of the first two robberies. Investigators researched the woman’s husband, identified as Jacolby Whitehead who also matched the description given by many of the robbery victims.
Surveillance conducted at their residence showed Whitehead driving the red Equinox. Further, law enforcement executed a search warrant for the vehicle and the residence. They recovered clothing similar to that described by the witnesses and seen on surveillance video. Whitehead was Mirandized and admitted to all four of the robberies.
Whitehead pled guilty on July 21, 2021.
Sentencing is scheduled on October 28, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman, where Whitehead faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years on each of the firearms counts and up to 20 years on the robbery counts. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Serial Swatter Sentenced to Sixty Months in Federal Custody in Connection with Death of Tennessee ManRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Shane Sonderman, 20, of Lauderdale County has been sentenced to sixty months in federal prison for participating in a group whose swatting call led to the death of a grandfather in Sumner County, Tennessee, last April. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, from at least July 2018 through May 2020, Sonderman conspired with others throughout the United States and other countries to extort the holders of unique Instagram and Twitter handles by "swatting" them—a harassment technique that involves deceiving emergency services dispatchers into sending police and emergency SWAT or response teams to the unwitting third party’s residential address when no actual emergency exists. Sonderman and his coconspirators did this to extort their targets into giving up control of their social media identifiers or "handles" so they could be sold to others. The group also sent harassing text messages and ordered unpaid-for food to be delivered to their targets’ homes.
On April 27, 2020, SWAT teams were called to the Sumner County, Tennessee, residence of Mark Herring, the holder of the Twitter handle @Tennessee. The caller alleged that he had shot a woman in the head there, and she was dead. First responders arrived and found Herring on his porch and with guns drawn, ordered him to approach with his hands in the air. Herring suffered a fatal heart attack before anyone on the scene knew the call was a hoax. Sonderman obtained personal information about Herring and his family and posted those details to a chat platform online where one of his coconspirators could go to obtain it and use the information to place a plausible call to emergency services.
Another victim, a resident of Oregon, was tormented when emergency services were sent to the Ohio residence of her parents and she subsequently received anonymous text messages on her phone that read "did your parent’s (sic) enjoy the firetrucks?" and "i (sic) plan on killing your parents next if you do not hand the username on instagram over to me." Desirable handles can be sold for thousands of dollars.
Many law enforcement agencies around the country participated in this investigation, including the FBI Field Offices in Memphis, Tennessee, and Akron, Ohio, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Sumner County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Ireland prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Benton County Pastor, Coach Indicted on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joshua Henley, 32, of Evansville, Indiana, has been indicted for using three minors to create sexual abuse material and for transporting a minor interstate to engage in criminal sexual activity. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the indictment today.
Henley served as pastor of the Holladay Church of Christ in Holladay, Tennessee, and as a girls’ basketball coach at Holladay Elementary School (K-8) from approximately 2017 through March 2021. He previously held similar positions in Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, and was working as a youth pastor in Indiana until his arrest.
Henley is charged with four counts of producing child sexual exploitation material and one count each of transporting and possessing such materials; one count of transporting a minor interstate to engage in criminal sexual activity; and one count of sending obscene material to a minor under sixteen.
If convicted on all counts, Henley could face up to 160 years in federal prison. The case, number 1:21-cr-10064, is pending before Chief Federal District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson in Jackson, Tennessee. There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation, with technical assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Anyone with additional information on this or other cases involving sexual exploitation of minors is asked to contact investigators at the FBI Resident Agency in Jackson, Tennessee, or the Sheriff’s Office in Benton County.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
Assistant United States Attorney Debra Ireland is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon and Grape Street Crip Gang Member Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Caery Gorman, 45, has been sentenced to 121 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, between April and June 2018, agents with the DEA and ATF were investigating Gorman as a heroin and methamphetamine supplier here in the Western District of Tennessee, as part of a larger investigation into the Grape Street Crips Street Gang. Agents utilized a Confidential Informant in conjunction with an Undercover Agent (UCA) on three separate occasions to purchase heroin, methamphetamine and firearms directly from Gorman.
On April 26, 2018, the UCA arranged to purchase ICE ("methamphetamine") from Gorman at his home. This substance tested positive for methamphetamine with a weight of 77 grams. Further testing at the DEA lab, confirmed it was methamphetamine with a 98% purity. The second buy, on June 5, 2018, the UCA met again at Gorman’s home in Memphis to purchase 178 grams of suspected heroin for $3600 and a Sig Sauer 9 mm pistol for $450. On June 14, 2018, the UCA purchased 85 grams of suspected heroin for $2400 and 4 guns- a S&W .40 caliber, a 7.62x39 mm AK style pistol, and two Taurus .380 caliber pistols. The guns were confirmed to be manufactured outside the state of Tennessee and therefore traveled in interstate commerce.
Gorman is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On April 13, 2021, the defendant pled guilty to distribution of methamphetamine (50 grams or more) as well as being a convicted felon in possession of multiple firearms on two separate occasions.
On July 22, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Gorman to 121 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melanie Cox prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Madison County Man Indicted for Federal Carjacking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Delvion "DJ" Beard, 20, of Jackson, Tennessee, has been indicted for the federal offenses of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, on November 9, 2020, two victims were at a local gas station in Bolivar, Tennessee, when Beard, along with accomplices, Quadarius Greer, 19, and Bryson Townsley, 19, took their vehicle, an Audi A4 by force, violence and intimidation, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm.
On June 14, 2021, a grand jury seated in the Eastern Division of the Western District of Tennessee, returned a two-count indictment charging Beard, Greer and Townsley with carjacking and with brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the carjacking.
"I would like to thank everyone involved in the investigation of this case. Several Law enforcement agencies worked together to bring the defendants to justice. Thanks to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for taking the case," said City of Bolivar Police Chief Michael Jones.
If convicted of the carjacking offense, the defendant faces sentence up to 15 years imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release. If convicted of using a firearm during a crime of violence offense, the defendant will face an additional mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 7 years imprisonment; $250,000 fine and five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Marshals Service, Bolivar Police Department, Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Jackson Police Department.
Trial Attorneys Sam Loeiro and Jared Hernandez with the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary L. Parham of the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraud Scheme Targeting NonprofitsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jaime Walsh, 53, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for one count of bank fraud in connection with a scheme perpetrated against over 100 entities, most of which were nonprofits. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, between June 2013 and March 2019, Walsh defrauded various organizations including charities, churches, nonprofit environmental entities, and the Peace Corps. Walsh would, for example, make an online donation of $4500 to an organization. He would then contact the organization, claiming he intended to donate only $45, and ask for a refund of $4455. The organization would issue the requested refund and Walsh would immediately withdraw the money from his account.
Meanwhile, the original donation made by Walsh would be rejected due to insufficient funds and the targeted organization would suffer a complete loss of the refunded amount. Walsh attempted to defraud victims of $863,736.69. He succeeded in defrauding victims of $241,397.33.
On March 2, 2021, Walsh pled guilty to bank fraud.
On July 20, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Walsh to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Walsh was also ordered to pay restitution to victims in the amount of $203,840.70. A money judgment for $241,397.33 was entered against Walsh.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Tennessee Highway Patrol, U.S. Secret Service, and the Peace Corps Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Smith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Four Individuals Sentenced to Federal Prison for a total of 36 Years for Carjacking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Eric Cole, 22, Edward Brown, 26, Daterious Gipson, 20, and Warren Guy,22, have been sentenced to a total of 433 months in federal prison for carjacking and firearm offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentences today.
According to information presented in court, on September 30, 2018, Memphis Police were flagged down by a man near Hudson Street. The victim, S.G., had been robbed and his vehicle taken on Powell Avenue. The victim stated he provided a ride to an individual in exchange for gas money. Upon arriving at the address on Powell, the suspect opened his passenger door and pretended to give the victim the gas money. At that time, three additional suspects surrounded the victim's car. As the victim fled on foot, one suspect fired multiple shots at the victim. Cole, Brown and Gipson were positively identified by the victim from a photo line-up.
• February 28, 2019, Cole, Brown, and Gipson were indicted for the carjacking and brandishing and discharging firearms during a crime of violence in the Western District of Tennessee.
• October 16, 2019, Daterious Gipson pled guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.
• November 14, 2019, Edward Brown pled guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.
• December 17, 2019, Eric Cole pled guilty to carjacking and discharging a firearm during the carjacking.
Further investigation revealed Warren Guy as an additional suspect. Guy was indicted on January 20, 2020 in the Western District of Tennessee. On March 25, 2021, he pled guilty to possession of a firearm during the carjacking.
On October 20, 2020, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr., sentenced Brown to 100 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Cole was sentenced to 138 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. Gipson was sentenced to 135 months imprisonment to be followed by three years supervised release. On July 15, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Guy to 60 months imprisonment to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory D. Allen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Daycare Director Sentenced for Submitting False Documents to Tennessee Department of Human ServicesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Ollie Stephenson, 55, of Germantown, Tennessee, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for submitting false documents to the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS).
According to information presented in court, Louise’s Learning Tree Daycare Center in Memphis, Tennessee was a participant in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP), which was administered by TDHS. Stephenson, the daycare’s former director, submitted a fictious Regions Bank statement and a fictitious US Food invoice which reflected a non-existent food purchase during a TDHS audit conducted in April and May 2020.
On April 14, 2021, Stephenson pled guilty to a one-count criminal information.
On July 15, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Stephenson to a year and a day in federal prison and a three-year period of supervised release. Stephenson was also ordered to pay $375,158.80 in restitution to TDHS. There is no parole in the federal system.
"Today’s sentence serves not only as just punishment for this defendant but also as notice to others who seek to prey on feeding assistance programs used to feed vulnerable populations," said Jason M. Williams, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General. "This collaborative effort with our state and federal partners demonstrates that wherever you are, we will find you and hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law."
"This fraud is coming to light thanks to the vigilance and hard work of multiple public entities who recognized something was wrong and began looking into it," said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. "Tennesseans expect their tax dollars to be used to help the people that need them, not individuals seeking to take advantage of the system for their own gain."
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Special Investigations Unit of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carroll L. André III prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years for Distribution of Marijuana and Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Ronald Freeman, 39 has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for distribution of marijuana and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, between August 2020 and September 2020, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), conducted a criminal investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Ronald Freeman. This investigation was initiated through Operation LeGend, an initiative in which federal law enforcement agencies work in conjunction with state and local law enforcement to fight violent crime. Operation LeGend was first launched on July 8, 202o in Kansas City, Missouri and announced in Memphis on August 6, 2020.
ATF Special Agents utilized a confidential informant to conduct approximately 7 controlled purchases resulting in receiving two firearms and narcotics from Freeman. Each transaction was audio and video-recorded and completed under ATF supervision.
On March 24, 2021, the defendant pled guilty.
On July 9, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Freeman to 120 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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48-Year-Old Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jesus Navarrate, 48, a Mexican citizen, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in February 2009, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Tennessee returned a one count indictment charging Navarrate with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846.
The investigation into his drug trafficking organization began in September 2007. The organization was found to be responsible for importing approximately 1,950 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the Western District of Tennessee utilizing vehicles with hidden compartments. Navarrate was extradited from Mexico to the Western District of Tennessee to face charges.
In November 2020, the defendant pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute 450 kilograms or more of cocaine.
On June 28, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., sentenced Navarrate to 240 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. This prosecution is part of an investigation conducted by the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking organizations and organized criminal enterprises, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Floyd Wallace, 34, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 4, 2019, Memphis Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Accord for an expired Mississippi license plate. The driver had a revoked driver’s license for failure to satisfy fines/costs/taxes on a prior criminal conviction.
The front seat passenger, later identified as Floyd Wallace, attempted to flee the vehicle but was quickly detained by officers. Wallace then told officers that he had a gun in his pocket. Officers also retrieved from Wallace’s person, a Taurus 9mm pistol, loaded with six live rounds in the magazine and one live round in the chamber; one bag of marijuana; and a digital scale.
At the time of the stop, Wallace had outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants. With three prior violent felony convictions, two counts of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated assault, Wallace was determined to be an Armed Career Criminal and sentenced to the mandatory minimum of 15 years. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Wallace, a member of the Travelling Vice Lords gang, was on probation for aggravated stalking and aggravated assault at the time of this offense.
On June 24, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Wallace to 180 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The (PSN) Program is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Tennessee Doctor Pleads Guilty to Hydrocodone Distribution Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A Tennessee physician pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Tennessee to causing the death of one of his patients through his illegal prescribing of hydrocodone.
According to court documents, Thomas K. Ballard III, 63, of Jackson, owned and operated the Ballard Clinic, from which he issued prescriptions for dangerous, addictive controlled pharmaceutical drugs without any legitimate medical purpose. Ballard engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with several female patients while he ignored red flags that they were abusing the medications he prescribed. These abuses were often reflected in Ballard’s own medical records.
Ballard’s treatment records reflected that he believed that a particular patient had psychiatric issues, and that she was abusing her medication, fabricating personal trauma and tampering with drug screens. The records also reflected aberrant drug screens and notations about the patient’s incarceration and receipt of prescriptions elsewhere for suboxone, a drug used to treat opioid dependency disorder. In spite of that history, Ballard prescribed the patient hydrocodone repeatedly, including on May 28, 2015, when Ballard issued her the prescription for the hydrocodone on which she fatally overdosed.
"Today’s plea is a somber reminder of the human cost of illegal prescribing," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "Above all, physicians are trusted not to harm their patients. When opioid addictions are fueled at the hands of predatory prescribers, death is all too often the result. The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to hold such prescribers accountable."
"This case represents Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Medicaid Fraud Control Division’s commitment to fighting the opioid epidemic plaguing our state, exposing fraudulent health care
schemes, and holding offenders accountable for their dishonest criminal conduct," said Special Agent-In-Charge Terry L. Reed Sr. of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
"Ballard has proven himself to be nothing more than a predator in a white lab coat, and he should expect to be punished accordingly," said Special Agent in Charge J. Todd Scott of the DEA’s Louisville Division. "Doctors take an oath to first do no harm, and instead, Ballard chose to put his own licentious interests above his patients’ well-being."
"Ballard’s callous disregard for the well-being of his patients and the principles of his profession caused the death of a vulnerable woman and put other lives at risk," stated Derrick L. Jackson, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "The damage he caused is severe and irreparable. HHS-OIG, alongside other law enforcement agencies, works to pursue medical professionals who inflict harm on patients in their care."
Ballard pleaded guilty to a count of illegal drug distribution resulting in death. He will be sentenced to 20 years in prison, the statutory mandatory minimum, on Sept. 21, if the court accepts his plea agreement. A federal district court judge will determine any non-incarceration aspect of Ballard’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The TBI, DEA, and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Jason Knutson, Drew Pennebaker, and Emily Petro of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
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Local Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Armed Carjacking and Brandishing a Firearm in a Crime of ViolenceRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Courtney Freeman, 31, a/k/a Quatney Freeman has been sentenced to 154 months in federal prison for armed carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 25, 2018, Freeman approached a man sitting in a 2011 GMC Acadia at the Jubilee Express gas station on North Watkins. When Freeman tapped on the glass, the victim rolled the window down; Freeman then pointed a handgun at him and said, "Get out the car or I’ll blow you away." He immediately exited the car and Freeman entered the vehicle and drove away.
The victim ran to his home a few blocks away, called law enforcement, and reported his car stolen. Police responded and he informed them that his cell phone, wallet with credit cards, social security card, $260 in cash and a Ruger .380 pistol were all in the car at the time. Law enforcement later recovered security camera footage from the store, which confirmed the victim’s description. The victim identified Freeman to law enforcement as the person who carjacked him. Officers put out a stolen vehicle report.
The next day, September 26, 2018, Memphis Police found the stolen car on St. Charles Street. The vehicle was then towed and processed by a crime scene officer. Investigators found 7 pieces of paper with ridge detail, which were then forwarded to latent print examiners, who determined some of the prints belonged to Courtney Freeman.
Agents with the National Insurance Crime Bureau examined the VIN of the 2011 GMC Acadia and concluded the vehicle was manufactured outside the state of Tennessee.
The defendant pled guilty on September 1, 2020.
On June 15, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Freeman to 154 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), National Crime Insurance Bureau and the Memphis Police Department.
U.S. Attorneys Raney Irwin and J. William Crow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Two Former Tennessee Correctional Officers Sentenced for Civil Rights OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Two former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) Correctional Officers were sentenced today for assaulting an inmate in violation of a federal civil rights statute.
Nathaniel Griffin, 31, and Tanner Powell, 24, were both sentenced to a year and a day in prison plus three years of supervised release. These are the final sentencings arising out of a staff assault of an inmate inside a cell in the Mental Health Unit at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee. Four other former officers previously pleaded guilty in this case and were sentenced in federal court.
"When correctional officers abuse their authority, they erode the public’s trust in law enforcement and that is unacceptable," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "No correctional officer is above the law and the Justice Department will not tolerate any civil rights violations. We are committed to ensuring all correctional officers keep federal prisons safe and secure and that they carry out their duties with the utmost integrity."
"The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee will continue to prioritize the criminal prosecution of public employees who violate the civil rights of others," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee. "Our goal is to ensure that everyone – no matter who they are or standing in the community – is treated in accordance with the requirements of the US Constitution by public officials."
"When correctional officers abuse their authority and harm inmates, it not only violates our civil rights laws, it undermines the criminal justice system as a whole," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office. "These sentences
should send a clear message that the FBI makes it a priority to bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of those they are sworn to protect."
In 2019, Griffin and Powell both pleaded guilty using unlawful force while acting under color of law. In connection with their guilty pleas, Griffin and Powell admitted that they punched the inmate, identified in the charging documents by initials R.T., after he had already been beaten by another officer. They further admitted that they punched R.T. even though he never posed a threat to them or the other correctional officers. In total, R.T. was punched more than 30 times by officers. All three officers who assaulted R.T. ultimately pleaded guilty to a federal civil rights offense.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Field Office of the FBI with the support of the TDOC, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
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Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearm Found GuiltyRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a two-day trial, a federal jury has convicted Carl Clarke, 31, for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty verdict today.
According to information presented in court, on June 3, 2018, officers with the Dyersburg Police Department reported to a residence on Cumberland Street after receiving information that Clarke was at that address and had active arrest warrants.
Officers found Clarke and three others seated in the residence with a loaded Black Taurus PT111 G2 9mm handgun on the coffee table. Clarke was arrested on the active warrants and waived his Miranda rights. Officers asked if the handgun was his and he replied, "Yeah, that’s my gun."
Clarke is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of attempted aggravated robbery, burglary, and aggravated assault. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2021, before Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson where, if found to be an Armed Career Criminal, he faces not less than 15 years imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Dyersburg Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christie Hopper and Hillary Parham are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Nigerian Citizen is Eleventh Person Sentenced in International Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Benard Okorhi 42, of Lagos, Nigeria, has been sentenced to serve 75 months in federal prison for his role in an international fraud conspiracy that used compromised email accounts to steal from businesses and romance scams on internet dating sites to trick individuals into wiring money overseas. The scheme is estimated to have cost residents of the U.S. approximately $8 million dollars. The total scheme is estimated to have netted over $10 million worldwide during criminal enterprise’s five-year lifespan. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
Evidence presented in court revealed that Okorhi and others, some U.S. citizens, some residents of Ghana and Nigeria--created fake profiles on online dating services to entice people looking for companionship into fraudulent relationships. Once the victim was fully involved, the scammers would develop elaborate storylines that always required the victim to send financial assistance to his or her beloved. The group also compromised the email networks of many businesses, redirecting wires intended to pay for services or goods to bank accounts under the control of the scammers. The money was subsequently moved through a number of bank accounts before ultimately being sent to Africa.
Okorhi, Maxwell Peter, and Babatunde Martins were arrested overseas and extradited to the United States for prosecution. Several of their alleged co-conspirators remain at large, including Dennis Miah, Sumaila Hardi Wumpini and Okorhi's brother Victor Okhori. Ayodeji Ojo has been arrested in Nigeria and is awaiting extradition.
On June 11, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Okorhi to 75 months in federal prison. The following individuals have been found guilty by a jury or entered pleas of guilty for their part in the scheme: Babatunde Martins of Nigeria, time served (approximately 3 and a half years); Maxwell Peter of Ghana, 55 months; Olufolajimi Abegunde of Atlanta and Nigeria, 78 months; Javier Luis Ramos-Alonso of California and Mexico, 31 months; Rashid Abdulai of New York and Ghana, 12 months;
Dana Brady of Washington, two years' supervised release: James Dean of Indiana, two years' probation; Marie Zamora of Utah, two years' probation; Edchae Caffey, 18 months' probation; and Ahmed Alimi, 14 months' probation.
The FBI led the investigation. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Accra, the FBI Transnational Organized Crime of the Eastern Hemisphere Section of the Criminal Investigative Division, the FBI’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit of the Cyber Division, and FBI’s International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center all provided significant support in this case, as did the U.S. Marshals Service, INTERPOL Washington, the INTERPOL Unit of the Ghana Police Service, the Republic of Ghana’s Office of Attorney General, and Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office.
Senior Trial Attorney Timothy C. Flowers of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.
For more information or to view a list of aliases used by members of the conspiracy on dating websites and social media, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/victim-witness-program.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm in Connection with a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Alfonzo Mitchell, 48, has been sentenced to 106 months in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on November 9, 2018, detectives from the Memphis Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Busby Avenue. On the top floor in the northwest bedroom, detectives recovered a baggie containing ammunition, a green box of ammunition, a black digital scale, a black magazine with ammunition, and a box of plastic bags. Also, in the same bedroom, detectives recovered more ammunition on top of a dresser, along with a green leafy substance in a plastic bag.
In the kitchen, detectives recovered 3 glass beakers commonly used in making crack cocaine, as well as 2 scales commonly used for weighing narcotics. Detectives also located a blue ‘La Choy’ jar container with a hidden compartment in the bottom which had a plastic bag containing several smaller plastic bags filled with a white powder consistent with cocaine.
In the downstairs living room, detectives recovered a brown bag filled with assorted ammunition, a box of plastic baggies, a plate with a razor and white powder residue, a black Samsung Galaxy Cellular Phone, a gray scale, a box of clear plastic baggies, and a clear jar with a green leafy substance inside. Detectives also recovered a Norinco 7.62X39 caliber rifle and four boxes of ammunition from a closet in the living room. The rifle was loaded with one live round in the chamber and several rounds in the magazine.
In the downstairs northwest bedroom, detectives recovered a hard-white substance in medicine bottles, a green leafy substance in approximately six mason jars, and a pill bottle containing 12 pills. The pills were identified as Oxycodone. Mitchell was unable to provide a prescription. In the same bedroom, detectives also recovered a Strum, Ruger and Co.9 mm caliber pistol. The serial number had been obliterated. Detectives recovered in the downstairs northwest bedroom, a "Planters Peanut" container filled with several plastic baggies filled with a green leafy substance. Alonzo Mitchell had $220 in cash on his person.
Alfonzo Mitchell gave a written statement claiming all narcotics and firearms in the house belonged to him. When asked why he possessed the firearms, the defendant stated, "You have to be ready to go to war if something jumps off." Mitchell also admitted that he sold the marijuana, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine from his residence on Busby Avenue.
On March 12, 2021, Mitchell pled guilty.
On June 9, 2021, U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla sentenced Mitchell to 106 months in federal prison to be followed by a three-year supervised release term. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. PSN, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Armed Carjacker Who Fled to Mississippi Enters Guilty PleaRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Billy Drain, 38, has pleaded guilty to carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on February 24, 2020, the victim, J.K., advised that a male suspect who he knew as "Eric" asked him for a ride. The victim recognized Eric as the brother of a friend who had recently passed away. The suspect was accompanied by an unknown female. The victim drove the suspects to various locations in Memphis, when they decided to carjack the victim. The male suspect pulled out a silver 9mm handgun and pointed it at the victim and said, "mane get out the car right now or I'll kill you." The suspects drove off with his car, a silver 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, his phone, and house keys.
On March 15, 2020, officers and deputies in Yazoo City, Mississippi, observed Drain, (who was known to them to have outstanding warrants), driving a silver 2008 PT Cruiser. They engaged in a vehicle pursuit, when Drain attempted to ram the police vehicles. Ultimately, Drain crashed the vehicle and ran towards a nearby house. Once inside the home, Drain grabbed a 1-year-old baby, holding the baby hostage as the police attempted to arrest him. Drain was holding the baby by the throat and a cell phone to the baby's head, as if the phone was a weapon. Law enforcement safely recovered the baby and subdued Drain.
The vehicle Drain wrecked was determined to be the same vehicle stolen from the victim J.K. who later identified Drain as the suspect. Drain's full name is Billy Voneric Drain. Charges in Mississippi against Drain are still pending.
On June 9, 2021, Drain entered a guilty plea to both charges in the indictment.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Jon P. McCalla.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth J. Rogers and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Federal Jury Convicts Three Individuals of Kidnapping and Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After a four-day federal jury trial, Antonio Johnson 44, Travis Jackson 37, and Shalundra Johnson, 39 have been found guilty of kidnapping and multiple bank robberies. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the conviction today.
According to information presented in court, on September 14, 2018, at approximately 2:15 a.m., an employee of Trustmark Bank on Elvis Presley Blvd., got off work from her second job and arrived home. As the victim walked into her home, a male with a firearm grabbed her and pushed her inside of the residence. The victim was zip-tied and taken to the bank to complete the robbery where approximately, $73,400 was taken. Travis Jackson’s DNA was recovered from the zip-ties used to restrain the victim.
On December 7, 2018, at approximately 7:18 p.m., an employee of the First Tennessee Bank on Elvis Presley Blvd arrived home from work. While in her driveway, an unknown male wearing a mask approached her vehicle. The unknown male forced the victim at gunpoint to the passenger seat of her vehicle and drove her to a location near the bank. The victim was then zip-tied and taken to the bank to complete the robbery; approximately, $110,435 was taken. Again, Travis Jackson’s DNA was recovered from the zip-ties used to restrain the victim and from other zip-ties recovered from the scene. Travis Jackson’s cell phone records placed him at the bank at the time of the robbery. Cell phone records also placed Antonio Johnson at the scene of the victim’s house and at the bank at the time of the kidnapping and the robbery. A tracking device was placed on the victim's vehicle for the gunman to determine where she lived.
On April 4, 2019, at approximately 6:15 p.m., an employee of First South Financial Credit Union on East Shelby Drive, arrived at her home in Horn Lake, Mississippi. Armed men entered the victim’s home, zip-tied the victim’s hands, and demanded keys to the bank. The victim, along with her three-year-old child, were then forced into her personal car and driven away. Eventually, the victim was taken to the bank for the robbery.
Approximately, $425,000 was taken in the robbery. Shalundra Johnson placed a tracking device on the victim's vehicle for the gunmen to determine where the victim lived. Cell phone records, tracking device information, and evidence recovered from the respective defendant’s residences proved the involvement of the defendants in the robbery.
Travis Jackson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3, 2021. Jackson was convicted of three counts of bank robbery, three counts of firearm possession, one count of kidnapping an adult, and one count of kidnapping a child. Jackson faces a mandatory minimum of 41 years in federal prison.
Both Antonio Johnson and Shalundra Johnson are scheduled to be sentenced September 8, 2021. Antonio Johnson was convicted of two counts of bank robbery, two counts of firearms possession, one count of kidnapping of adult, and one count kidnapping of a child. Johnson faces a mandatory maximum sentence of 34 years imprisonment. Shalundra Johnson was convicted of one count of bank robbery and one count of kidnapping of an adult. Shalundra Johnson faces up to 20 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Memphis Police Department, Desoto County (MS) Sheriff’s Department and Horn Lake, MS Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marques Young and Kevin Whitmore prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry into the United States and for Being a Convicted Alien Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Cecilio Gonzalez-Espino, 31, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for unlawful reentry into the United States and for illegally possessing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 11, 2020, in Memphis, agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement located the defendant with a loaded firearm in his vehicle. On August 20, 2020 Gonzalez-Espino was indicted for being an alien in possession of a firearm and illegally reentering the United States after removal.
Gonzalez-Espino is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of multiple felony methamphetamine charges in 2011 in California. As a result of his prior conviction and alien status, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
"HSI works to keep our communities safe by removing violent criminals and deadly weapons from our streets," said Jerry C. Templet, Jr, special agent in charge, HSI Nashville.
On June 2, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris sentenced Gonzalez-Espino to 30 months imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. He also faces deportation after completion of his sentence of confinement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Smith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 11 Years for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Bruce Matthews, 28, has been sentenced to 137 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and using a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, between November 2019 and January 2020, undercover agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), began a criminal investigation of Matthews during several controlled purchases of firearms and methamphetamine transactions.
Matthews is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of aggravated assault and criminal attempt rape of a child. As a result of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On February 5, 2021, Matthews pled guilty.
On May 20, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Matthews to 137 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Carroll County Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Possession and Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Having been found guilty following a 3-day jury trial in September 2020, William Farrell Russell, 47, has now been sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for possession and distribution of child pornography depicting the sexual abuse of children under twelve years of age. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, investigators with the Faulkner County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Department learned that a user of an instant messaging service was distributing child pornography under the screen name "funfortaboo." Between July 1 and July 7, 2016, funfortaboo distributed to the undercover investigator’s images of child sexual abuse. The Faulkner County, Arkansas investigators and members of the FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force for the Western District of Tennessee, identified "funfortaboo" as William Farrell Russell, who was then living in Cedar Grove, TN.
On July 28, 2016, members of the FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force executed a search warrant at Russell's Cedar Grove home, and recovered the cellular telephone that Russell used to distribute the child sexual abuse materials. On that telephone and in an online cloud storage account, Russell possessed hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse, including the images that he distributed to the undercover officers under the screen name funfortaboo.
That same day, Russell waived his Miranda rights and admitted to using the cellular telephone to send images of child sexual abuse.
On May 18, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Russell to 262 months in federal prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI Project Safe Childhood Task Force and Faulkner County, Arkansas Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gregory Allen and Lauren Delery prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Armed Robber Sentenced to over 24 Years for Committing Multiple Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Joshua Beason, 26, has been sentenced to 293 months in federal prison for committing multiple business robberies and brandishing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2019, Beason and two co-defendants robbed multiple Memphis-area gas stations in what was described in court as a "night of terror."
At approximately 1:10 a.m., Beason and co-defendant 1 approached a store clerk outside of the Mapco Express on Raleigh Millington Road, armed with semi-automatic handguns with extended magazines. They threatened the clerk, forced her inside, and removed money from the register.
Less than an hour later, the suspects proceeded to the Murphy Express on Summer Avenue. Beason and co-defendant 2 placed a handgun to the side of a store clerk, forced him inside the store, and threatened the lives of both store clerks. They then took money from the register and fled the scene.
Approximately thirty minutes later, the suspects robbed the Exxon on Summer Avenue. As Beason and co-defendant 2 entered the business, the clerk ran to the back of the store. While running, he heard Beason and co-defendant 2 yell "don't move or I will shoot" and "shoot, shoot." The group removed the cash drawer and fled the scene.
Minutes later, the suspects participated in a home invasion in the 2000 block of West Barbara Circle. The resident, as well as the co-defendants were shot. All three survived. Beason and his co-defendants were apprehended at a local emergency room.
On November 2, 2020, Beason pled guilty to three counts of robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.
On May 14, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Beason to 293 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Beason's co-defendants are scheduled for trial in July 2021.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Whitmore and Greg Wagner prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former IRS Tax Examiner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud Directed Refund Amount to Herself as Compensation for Tax PreparationRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Linda I. Williams, 52, has pleaded guilty to defrauding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing false tax returns for various taxpayers in the Memphis area. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the guilty plea today.
According to the information presented in court, Linda I. Williams, former Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax examiner, prepared fraudulent returns seeking refunds for taxpayers and who, in some cases, directed part of the refunds as compensation to herself without the taxpayers’ knowledge. The false returns included fabricated deduction in order to claim higher refunds. Williams claimed over $500,000 in false deductions for these taxpayers.
Williams is also accused of failing to report any of her return preparation income on her own returns and sought to have taxpayers lie to investigating Treasury and IRS-CI Agents concerning her receipt of return preparation income.
Williams was a Tax Examiner of the Internal Revenue Service at the time of the alleged fraudulent activity and was under an obligation to truthfully report income received on her own income tax return.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 12, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. On February 25, 2021, Williams was charged with filing ten (10) false tax returns. She faces up to three years in federal prison for this offense and a fine of $250,000. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean DeCandia is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Charo Stone, 43, has been sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for bank robbery. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 10, 2019, a man entered the First South Financial Credit Union on Winchester Road, wearing a white polo shirt and carrying a blue folder. He then approached a teller's window with a note that read "Gun, No Dye Pack, All 50s and 100s." The teller complied and provided $8,150 in cash. The suspect placed the money in the blue folder and fled the scene.
The robber was described on video surveillance as a black male, medium build, 5’5’’ with facial hair and a goatee and mustache combination. Photographs from the robbery were shown by media outlets.
On July 11, 2019, a crime stoppers tip identified Charo Stone. The teller identified Stone as the robber in a 6-person lineup. Stone confessed to committing the robbery to law enforcement.
The Memphis Police Department and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force investigated this case.
On May 11, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Stone to 46 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Will Crow and Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Armed Carjacker Sentenced to over 20 Years as a Career OffenderRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Cody Davis, 29, has been sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for carjacking and brandishing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to the information presented in court, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on December 21, 2018, the victim, J.G., was asleep in his vehicle in the parking lot of a business on White Station Road, when the suspect approached him and pointed a gun. The suspect took the victim's cell phone, ordered him out of the car, told him to walk around the corner, and then drove off with the victim’s Audi A4. The armed robbery was captured on surveillance video.
The Audi A4 was recovered several days later. In the vehicle was a cell phone that did not belong to the victim. Fingerprints on the cell phone belonged to Davis.
On January 4, 2019, detectives conducted surveillance at the defendant’s residence. While there, detectives observed Davis depart the residence and enter a vehicle. Davis disregarded several traffic signals and was stopped by law enforcement. Detectives recovered a tan Century Arms 9mm pistol under the driver's seat, loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition.
The defendant later waived his Miranda rights and admitted to being a convicted felon, committing the carjacking, and possessing the firearm found in his vehicle.
Further investigation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined that the Century Arms 9mm caliber pistol and the Audi A4 were manufactured outside the State of Tennessee.
As a result of his prior felony convictions, including robbery and aggravated burglary, Davis is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition. Further, Davis' prior convictions qualified his status as a Career Offender.
Davis pled guilty on August 19, 2020.
On May 12, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Davis to 262 months in federal prison to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department – Violent Crimes Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – In honor of National Police Week, Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 9 through Saturday, May 15, 2021.
"This week is a time to honor our law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation," said Attorney General Garland. "I am constantly inspired by the extraordinary courage and dedication with which members of law enforcement act each day, putting their lives on the line to make our communities safer. To members of law enforcement and your families: we know that not a single day, nor a single week, is enough to recognize your service and sacrifice. On behalf of the entire Department of Justice, you have our unwavering support and eternal gratitude."
"Police officers," said Acting United States Attorney Murphy, "are our Nation’s first line of defense when it comes to the safety of our local communities. We should always remember that when an emergency arises, police officers are usually among the first people we call and the first people to arrive on the scene to provide assistance. Our community is safer because of their efforts."
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to keeping our communities safe. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted law enforcement officers’ courage and unwavering devotion to the communities that they have sworn to serve.
During the Roll Call of Heroes, a ceremony coordinated by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), more than 300 officers will be honored. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), of the law enforcement officers who died nationwide in the line of duty in 2020, nearly 60 percent succumbed to COVID-19. Here in the Western District of Tennessee, three officers died in the line of duty.
Additionally, according to statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 46 law enforcement officers died as a result of felonious acts and 47 died in accidents in 2020. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website.
The names of the 394 fallen officers who have been added in 2020 to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Thursday, May 13, 2021, during a Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will be livestreamed to the public at 8:00 PM EDT. The Police Week in-person public events, originally scheduled for May, have been rescheduled due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns to October 13-17, 2021. An in-person Candlelight Vigil event is scheduled for October 14, 2021.
Those who wish to view the Virtual Candlelight Vigil on May 13, 2021, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/user/TheNLEOMF. The FOP’s Roll Call of Heroes can be viewed at www.fop.net. To view the schedule of virtual Police Week events in May, please view NLEOMF’s Police Week Flyer.
To learn more about National Police Week in-person events scheduled for October, please visit www.policeweek.org.
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Former Tennessee Correctional Officer Sentenced for Covering up Staff Assault of an InmateRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former Tennessee Correctional Officer was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison and two years supervised release for conspiring to cover up the beating of an inmate and for persuading other officers to provide false information to investigators.
On May 7, Tommy Morris, a former Corporal with the Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty to federal offenses arising out of the assault of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit at the facility. Morris is the third officer to be sentenced.
"The defendant, as a supervisory correctional officer, watched other officers assault a vulnerable inmate and then he guided these officers in their efforts to cover up their criminal conduct," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who commit civil rights violations and those who conspire with their fellow officers to obstruct the ensuing criminal investigation."
"The civil rights statutes are there to protect the Constitutional rights and freedoms of everyone," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee. "Our office will prosecute those who violate these laws, regardless of the victim’s status and those who attempt to cover up these crimes."
"This sentence should send a clear message that the FBI makes it a priority to bring to justice any law enforcement officer who violates the civil rights of those in his care and custody," said Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Korneski of the FBI Memphis Field Office. "It undermines the respect and reputation of all law enforcement officers when a correctional officer violates the civil rights of an inmate whose safety he is charged with."
On Nov. 24, 2020, Morris pleaded guilty to conspiring to cover up the beating of R.T. and to knowingly encouraging correctional officers to provide investigators with false and misleading information.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the TDOC, and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
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Career Offender Sentenced to over 12 Years for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Anthony Benson, 41, of Somerville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 151 months in federal prison for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in June 2016, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in Memphis, Tennessee, conducted an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Anthony Benson. Agents learned that Benson stored and trafficked cocaine out of a residence located in Somerville, Tennessee. Based upon this information, investigators began making undercover buys from Benson and other family members.
In August 2020, Benson pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21 United States Code Section 841.
On May 6, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Benson to 151 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release, based upon his career offender classification.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Tennessee Highway Patrol Criminal Investigation Division and the Fayette County Sheriff's Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Raney Irwin and Michelle Kimbril-Parks prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Tennessee Correctional Officer Sentenced Following Staff Assault of InmateRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A former Tennessee correctional officer was sentenced Friday to two years in prison and two years of supervised release for his involvement in a staff assault of an inmate.
Jonathan York, a former Tennessee Department of Corrections (TDOC) Officer at the Northwest County Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, was sentenced April 30. During the federal investigation, six former TDOC officers ultimately pleaded guilty to federal offenses arising out of the assault of the inmate and the cover up that followed. York is the second of the six to be sentenced.
"The defendant was held accountable for abusing his power and for violating the public’s trust in him as a correctional officer," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Pamela S. Karlan for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department is committed to vigorously prosecuting all who commit civil rights violations."
"The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to the prosecution of criminal civil rights violations committed by corrections officers, who have a responsibility to treat those in their custody in a manner consistent with the U.S. Constitution and federal civil rights statute," said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., for the Western District of Tennessee. "This case is an example of that commitment."
"This sentencing should be a reminder that wearing a badge does not make one above the law," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Foster of the FBI Memphis Field Office. "Law enforcement officers or any other government employees who abuse their authority and use unlawful force will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. The FBI will always work to bring to justice those who violate the civil rights of others."
On June 9, 2020, York pleaded guilty to using unlawful force while acting under color of law and conspiring to cover up the incident. With his guilty plea, York admitted that, on Feb. 1, 2019, he and other correctional officers entered the cell of R.T., an inmate in the mental health unit. Inside the cell, York asked a fellow officer to cover the surveillance camera and he then punched R.T. Although R.T. did not pose a threat to the officers, York punched R.T. approximately 30 times. York then stood by and watched as two other correctional officers punched R.T. After the assault of R.T., York spoke with other correctional officers and they conspired to tell a false cover story about what happened to R.T.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Division of the FBI with the support of the TDOC and was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Rebekah J. Bailey of the Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Pritchard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun Possession after Drunken Car CrashRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Omar Fair, 31, pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the guilty plea today.
According to the information presented in court, on April 20, 2019, at 3:30 a.m., Memphis Police officers received a "man down" call at Walnut Grove and Humphreys Blvd. The officers and paramedics approached the vehicle and knocked repeatedly on the windows. When Fair awoke, he saw the officers and sped away in the vehicle. As the officers attempted to chase him, Fair struck two other vehicles and crashed in the median.
Again, the officers approached Fair; he got out of the car, smelled of intoxicants and spoke incoherently. The defendant was detained. Law enforcement inventoried his vehicle prior to towing and recovered a Rossi .357 Magnum revolver from the driver's side door. Fair was on probation.
Fair had previously been convicted of aggravated assault, a misdemeanor domestic violence involving physical injury, as well as three prior DUI charges. As a result of his prior convictions, Fair is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for August 12, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris, where he faces up to ten years in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our communities safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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High-Ranking Grape Street Crip Gang Member Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Albert "GEE GEE" Green, 25, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in the furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the verdict today.
According to the information presented in court, on May 30, 2019, at 5:20pm, detectives with the Multi-Agency Gang Unit were conducting surveillance in the area of East Shelby
Drive, Memphis, Tennessee, when they observed wanted suspect Albert Green aka "GEE GEE," a well-known high-ranking member of the Grape Street Crips Peda Roll Mafia Gang. Green, who was observed at a local gas station in a Silver Mercedes C320, attempted to drive away from the pump with the gas nozzle still attached to his vehicle in order to avoid arrest. Green was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrant.
A search of the vehicle revealed a Ruger 9mm caliber pistol loaded with one live round in the chamber and approximately seven live rounds in the magazine under the driver’s seat, and fifty-six (56) white pills identified as 2mg Alprazolam located in the glove compartment. The name on the prescription bottle had been deleted. Green also had $4,762.00 in cash in his left front pocket.
Green had a purple bandana tied to his jeans indicating his membership in the Grape Street Crips Gang. At the time of his arrest, Green was on state probation for sale of cocaine.
As a result of his prior felony convictions for the sale of cocaine, Green is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On April 21, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Green to 97 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Multi-Agency Gang Unit, the Shelby County Fugitive Apprehension Team and the Tennessee Department of Probation and Parole.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to over 18 Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Matthew Berry, 42, of Eads, Tennessee has been sentenced to 220 months in federal prison for child exploitation offenses. Acting United States Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on June 25, 2019, an undercover operative with the Michigan City (Indiana) Police Department who was investigating child exploitation found a computer that was making child sexual abuse material (CSAM) available over the internet. Based on the IP address, the officer determined the computer was in the Western District of Tennessee and alerted the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force.
A search warrant was executed at the Bells, Tennessee, residence of Matthew Berry, who was at the time, a Crockett County Sheriff’s Deputy. Berry admitted to investigators that he had been obtaining and viewing child sexual abuse material for "a long time." Forensic examination of Berry’s digital devices confirmed that Berry had been seeking out CSAM since at least 2002. The investigation also revealed that Berry surreptitiously took photographs of the buttocks of females (adults and minors) in public places and had a sexual relationship with a minor during his time as a law enforcement officer. Berry previously worked as an officer in Halls, Ripley, Maury City, and Brownsville.
The FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Crockett County Sheriff’s Department and the Michigan City (Indiana) Police Department investigated this case.
On April 23, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Berry to 220 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra L. Ireland prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Jackson Preparer Charged with Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Louis Morris, 69, was charged April 12, 2021, with preparing false returns through his business L&L Tax Service. Acting United States Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the indictment today.
According to the indictment, from 2015 to 2018 Morris executed a scheme to prepare false returns for clients which included fabricated deductions in order to claim higher refunds.
Morris is also accused of filing his own false return for several years, reporting a false filing status and inflating expenses from his tax preparation business in order to claim a higher refund.
Morris appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Jon York on April 22, 2021.
The charges and allegations contained in indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Wilson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Madison County Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Convicted Felon-in-Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Reggie Carnell James, Jr., 26, of Denmark, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon-in-possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on August 20, 2019, the United States Marshals Service and the Jackson Police Department Gang and Street Crimes Unit, were completing the execution of a search warrant on North Parkway in Jackson, TN, when an investigator observed James driving a vehicle. James, who had a suspended driver’s license, was observed pulling into apartment building and was the only occupant in the vehicle. He was subsequently arrested and charged with driving on a suspended license.
After being taken into custody, James’s person was searched and officers located five hydrocodone pills in his front right pocket, and 4.48 grams of marijuana and $495 in cash in his front left pocket.
Officers also observed in plain view, a Glock pistol in the floorboard of the driver’s seat, which had been reported stolen by its owner. The officers searched James car and found a drum magazine that was loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition and a backpack in the front passenger seat which contained eight individually wrapped baggies of marijuana that totaled approximately 203.41 grams, a clear bag containing approximately 3.45 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and 16 THC vape cartridges. The backpack also contained an unloaded Taurus 9mm handgun and a loaded Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver.
James is a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of aggravated burglary, arson, and evading arrest in Madison County, Tennessee in 2014. As a result of his felony convictions, James is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On March 31, 2021, U.S. District Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced James to serve 100 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department, the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Former Memphis Attorney Convicted in Scheme to Defraud ClientsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Following a four-day trial, a federal jury returned guilty verdicts on all seven counts of the indictment this afternoon of former Memphis Attorney George E. Skouteris, Jr. 56. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the verdict today.
According to the indictment, between 2007 and March 2013, Skouteris engaged in a scheme to defraud his clients by settling cases without notifying them and forging their endorsements on the settlement checks made jointly payable to him and the client. The indictment alleges that Skouteris then deposited the checks to bank accounts he maintained at TrustOne Bank. Skouteris fraudulently obtained in excess of $250,000 during the scheme.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr., on August 19, 2021. Skouteris faces a mandatory maximum penalty of 30 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000,000 and five years supervised release as to each count. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carroll L. André III and David N. Pritchard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
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DEA and Partners hold National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 24Read the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Acting United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., joins the Drug Enforcement Administration in announcing that on April 24th, DEA will hold its 20th
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The biannual event will be held at thousands of collection sites around the country. The event is an effort to rid homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous.
With robust public participation, the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Initiative continues to remove ever-higher amounts of opioids and other medicines from the nation’s homes, where they are vulnerable to misuse, theft or abuse by family members and visitors, including children and teens.
Now in its 20th year, DEA’s October 2020 Take Back Day brought in a record-high amount of expired, unused prescription medications, with the public turning in close to 500 tons of unwanted drugs. Over the 10-year span of Take Back Day, DEA has brought in more than 6,800 tons of prescription drugs. With studies indicating most abused prescription drugs come from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets, clearing out unused medicine is essential.
"It’s important to keep our own homes safe by regularly cleaning out medicine cabinets and any other areas where we store our pharmaceuticals," said Acting Administrator D. Christopher Evans. "Bringing unused or expired medications to a local collection site for safe disposal helps protect your loved ones and the environment."
"As the nation’s overdose death toll continues to rise, it’s now more important than ever to safely dispose of any medications you no longer need in your home medicine cabinet," said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. "This is a great opportunity for all of us to work together, to make our communities safer by keeping prescription drugs out of the wrong hands."
Rates of prescription drug abuse in the United States continue to be alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Most prescription drug abusers say they get their drugs free from friends and family, including from the home medicine cabinet. Take Back Day is a unique opportunity for Americans to protect their homes and medicine cabinets from theft and abuse.
Helping people dispose of potentially harmful prescription drugs is just one-way DEA is working to reduce addiction and stem overdose deaths.
Learn more about the event at www.deatakeback.com or by calling 800-882-9539.
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Mexican National Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute over 50 Grams of Actual MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Saul Vega Flores, 51, has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Acting U.S. Attorney, Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in March 2017, DEA agents in the Nashville, TN office began an investigation into Rolando Lopez and his drug trafficking organization. Agents discovered Lopez and other co-conspirators were trafficking methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and other illegal substances from Texas to Tennessee. Investigators utilized several Title III wiretaps along with physical surveillance, confidential sources, traffic stops, and search warrants to investigate this organization, which was responsible for trafficking hundreds of pounds of actual methamphetamine/ICE. Saul Flores was found to have taken part in this conspiracy.
In early November 2017, investigators discovered through wiretap interceptions of Lopez's phone calls that he and Flores were meeting with individuals involved in the drug trafficking organization to pass out telephones. On November 13, 2017, Lopez and Flores met with Kenneth Garrett who transported Flores to Ronald Parham’s residence in Martin, Tennessee where Flores cooked methamphetamine/ICE.
On December 1, 2017, DEA agents developed information that Lopez was arranging a shipment of a significant amount of methamphetamine from Mexico to Tennessee. The shipment was to be picked up in Mexico by Virginia Torres and delivered to Parham's residence in Martin. This address was being used to convert liquid and powder methamphetamine into crystal methamphetamine.
On December 3, 2017, DEA agents set up surveillance at Parham’s residence. Investigators also followed Garrett and Flores from Nashville to Martin and Union City, TN. Through wiretap interceptions of phone calls between Lopez, Garrett, Flores, and Torres, investigators tracked Torres from Mexico to a Days Inn in West Memphis, Arkansas. Investigators observed Garrett and Flores meet with Torres who was driving a 2004 Lincoln Navigator. All three suspects left the Days Inn and headed toward Martin, Tennessee along Highway 51. DEA agents and members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on the vehicles on Highway 51 in Obion County.
On December 5, 2017, investigators searched the Lincoln Navigator and discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine/ICE in a hidden lead compartment in the tires and wrapped around the wheels. A DEA forensic laboratory examination revealed that Torres was carrying 44.85 kilograms of 98% pure ICE. Investigators confirmed that Parham's garage was being used to store and convert methamphetamine, and that either Flores or Parham would convert the powder or liquid methamphetamine to crystal methamphetamine.
Investigators also learned from cooperating witnesses that Flores is an "expert" at converting methamphetamine and that Lopez arranged for him to be transported from Mexico to Tennessee to convert methamphetamine into crystal form for distribution.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tennessee Highway Patrol investigated this case.
On April 2, 2021, Chief U.S. District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Flores to 100 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. The co-defendants in this case received the following sentences: Kenneth Garnett was sentenced to 200 months; Ronald Parham was sentenced 120 months; Virginia Torres was sentenced to 60 months and Ronald Lopez was sentenced to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Morrow and Jerry Kitchen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – James Howard, 43 has been sentenced to federal prison for 92 months for possession of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 21, 2019, Memphis Police officers responded to an Aggravated Assault/Domestic Violence call in the 3700 block of Weaver Road. Upon arrival, the victim A.W. advised that her boyfriend, Howard, was intoxicated and acting irrationally. She reported they were in an argument, when Howard "racked" a shotgun and stated he was "going to plant her." Howard left the residence, the victim's sister, S.H. removed her from the residence.
As the victim and her sister were driving, Howard called the victim from the house phone and threatened to kill her and himself. Realizing that Howard had again broken into her home, the victim and her sister drove to a nearby fire station to call law enforcement. After repeated attempts to enter the home, the officers finally gained access and removed Howard, who was taken into custody without further incident. While searching the home officers recovered a Remington Arms 16-gauge shotgun under a dresser.
Howard is a convicted felon having previously been convicted of felony drug trafficking offenses, Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence, and Battery Upon a Peace Officer. As a result of his felony convictions, Howard is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On November 3, 2020, Howard pled guilty to possessing the weapon.
On April 7, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Howard to 92 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raney Irwin and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Jeremy Lewis, 23, of Ripley, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on April 11, 2019, the Ripley Police Department responded to an aggravated assault complaint where Lewis threatened to shoot his stepfather with an AR-15. Ripley Police quickly located Lewis and the assault rifle. Lewis admitted to possessing the weapon. He had previously been found guilty of other violent felonies such as aggravated assault and robbery.
On September 22, 2020, Lewis pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). As a result of his felony convictions, Lewis is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition and was determined to be an armed career criminal under the federal sentencing guidelines and subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 180 months.
On March 22, 2021, U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Lewis to 180 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Ripley Police Department, and the Brownsville Police Department investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean G. Hord prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Hord is currently assigned from the 25th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
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Memphis Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Committing Multiple Armed Business RobberiesRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Brandon Guffin, 25, has been sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for committing multiple armed business robberies. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information in presented in court, from December 9, 2018 through December 31, 2108, Guffin committed nine armed robberies of businesses throughout the greater Memphis area. He targeted such businesses as Mapco, Circle K gas stations, Family Dollar and KFC.
On April 25, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment against Guffin charging him with brandishing a firearm during nine business robberies. Guffin pleaded guilty to 13 counts of the indictment on November 4, 2019.
On March 25, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced Guffin to 360 months in federal prison to be followed by five years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 11 Years Imprisonment for Aggravated Assault of a Federal Employee and Discharge of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Bernard M. Jones, 35, has been sentenced to 132 months in federal prison for aggravated assault of a federal employee and discharge of a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 4, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Jones was in the process of committing the crime of burglary of a motor vehicle. Meanwhile, the victim, a U.S. Postal Service employee, was preparing to take First Class mail from the Jet Cove Annex to the Memphis Processing & Distribution Center in downtown Memphis. While loading the mail into his USPS staff vehicle, the victim, observed someone moving around inside his personal vehicle parked approximately 50 yards away in the employee parking lot at the Memphis Priority Mail Annex. The victim drove the staff vehicle near his pickup truck and saw the defendant exit his pickup truck.
The defendant shot multiple times at the victim as he escaped in his postal vehicle. As the victim drove away, the defendant followed him in a Nissan Sentra and continued to shoot. During the investigation, United States Postal Inspectors determined two bullets struck the hood and several other locations on the postal vehicle. Law enforcement located two 9MM Luger shell casings from the shooting scene. The suspect, along with a female accomplice, fled the scene in a blue Nissan Sentra. Postal Inspectors later identified Bernard M. Jones as the shooter. Jones, a convicted felon, is also a member of the Gangster Disciples Street Gang, and as a result of his prior felony conviction history, is prohibited by federal law from possession of firearms or ammunition.
"Armed assaults on employees of the Postal Service" said Acting United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., "will not be tolerated and our office will prosecute these cases to the full extent of the law."
"Our agency is very pleased with the sentence Judge Lipman imposed. There is no excuse for the acts of violence that the defendant inflicted upon a U.S. Postal Service employee engaged in his official duties. The United States Postal Inspection Service will not tolerate anyone who assaults a postal employee engaged in their official duties and we will aggressively investigate these cases," said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector In Charge of the Atlanta Division.
Jones pled guilty on December 18, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. On March 24, 2021, Judge Lipman sentenced Jones to 11 years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – After demanding a federal jury trial last year and having pled guilty to bank robbery before the completion of proof in the case, Arnold Eden, 54 has now been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on July 3, 2017, at approximately 1:17 p.m., the Hope Federal Credit Union located at 2923 Ridgeway Road, was robbed by threatened force and coercion. Hope Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. A male entered the credit union, approached the teller, and provided a note demanding money. The teller recalled the note stating, "I have a gun. I have nothing to lose. I want two stacks of hundreds." The teller complied and provided $2,602 in cash. The suspect then fled the scene.
The robber was described on video surveillance wearing a black "Kangol" hat; a white t-shirt turned inside out, black shorts, and tennis shoes. The robber was described as 6’2", weighing 160-170lbs, 55-60 years of age, with a gray beard.
While exiting the credit union, video depicts the robber touching the interior glass door. Officers with the Memphis Police Department lifted latent fingerprints which were identified as belonging to the defendant.
On March 24, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris sentenced Eden to 72 months in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department and the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office for the purpose of prosecuting violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Convicted felon Anthony Holmes, 29, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a weapon. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting U.S. Attorney, announced the guilty plea today.
According to information presented in court, on March 3, 2019, while conducting a late-night routine campus patrol, University of Memphis Police officers observed a vehicle running with a male in the passenger seat. After some time, the officers became concerned with the condition of the person in the vehicle, who appeared immobile. As one officer approached the vehicle, he could see a handgun in the waistband of the male in the passenger’s seat. The male did not have any identification and gave only his name as "David Johnson", which the officers could not verify. He was initially charged with Carrying a Weapon on School Property and was booked and processed at 201 Poplar.
Further investigation revealed him as being Anthony Holmes, and that he had an outstanding warrant for attempted murder, resulting from an alleged shooting on I-240 on June 21, 2018. His name and picture had appeared in the news regarding this incident. The charges regarding the shooting on I-240 are still pending in state court.
In 2011 Holmes was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in Shelby County Criminal Court. As a result of his felony conviction, Holmes is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 22, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Mark Norris where he faces up to ten years in federal prison to be followed by three years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to prosecute violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Local Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Armed CarjackingsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Antonio Bunting, 23, has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison for committing multiple carjackings and brandishing a firearm during those crimes of violence. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting U.S. Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on June 28, 2018, victim R.D. was driving southbound on Shelby Drive when flagged down by two males with children asking for a ride. The victim pulled over, and one of the males pointed a handgun and told him to get out of the vehicle, a 2014 Toyota Corolla. When the victim did not immediately comply, the men assaulted him with a firearm. The males fled in his vehicle, leaving him with injuries to his knee, lip, and face. On July 1, 2018, the vehicle was located on Sanford Road. Angelo Bunting’s fingerprints were discovered on the vehicle. The victim observed Bunting in a photo lineup and stated he resembled the man with a firearm at the driver’s window.
On July 6, 2018, victim E.S. was at the Shell station on Millbranch Road when he observed two males exit a red vehicle and approach him as he returned to his car after paying inside. The first suspect pointed a firearm at the victim and demanded his keys, while the second suspect put a firearm to the victim’s back and demanded money. The victim gave the suspects his keys, wallet, and cell phone. Both fled in the victim’s vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Impala; an unidentified individual drove the red vehicle away separately. The victim’s vehicle was later located on Elvis Presley Boulevard. The victim identified Bunting in a photo lineup and stated that he looked similar to one of the suspects.
On July 13, 2018, victim J.M. was washing his car, a 2013 Volkswagen Passat, at a carwash on Holmes Road when approached by two suspects, both of whom pointed firearms at him and demanded his vehicle. The victim complied, and the suspects left the scene. The vehicle was tracked by GPS in Southaven, Mississippi. Bunting’s fingerprints were found in the interior of the vehicle. Victim J.M. positively identified Angelo Bunting as one of the suspects who carjacked him.
On July 31, 2018, Bunting was arrested by officers with the Memphis Police Department’s Victim Crime Unit and the Multi Agency Gang Unit in connection with these crimes, as well as other robbery charges, which are still pending in state court. Bunting was originally indicted for these violent crimes on October 23, 2018. https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdtn/pr/five-men-indicted-carjacking-and-armed-robbery-memphis. On October 26, 2020, Bunting pleaded guilty to the offenses as charged.
On March 17, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris sentenced Bunting to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Memphis Police Department–Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel D. Winnig and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. SAUSA Winnig is currently assigned from the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office to prosecute violent crimes and firearms offenses in federal court.
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Memphis Businessman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – Henly Dolmon, Jr., 38, has been sentenced to 15 months for filing a false federal income tax return. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, Dolmon, the former owner of Simple Tax Solutions, failed to report most of the income he derived from Simple Tax Solutions on his 2012 federal income tax return.
On March 10, 2o21, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris sentenced Dolmon to a total of 15 months imprisonment, ordering Dolmon to serve 8 months in federal prison to be followed by 7 months of home detention. Dolmon was also ordered to serve 1 year of supervised release after his in-custody sentence. He will also be required to pay $124,000 in restitution to the IRS. There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony R. Arvin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Madison County Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Joseph Robert DiMarco, 47, has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actualmethamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting United States Attorney, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on September 10, 2018, during a routine traffic stop in Madison County, DiMarco was found in possession of over 80 grams of actual methamphetamine, approximately 1.5 grams of heroin, multiple firearms, and drug paraphernalia. DiMarco also admitted to selling $40.00 worth of methamphetamine to an individual in the parking lot of a gas station on Airways boulevard in Jackson just before he was stopped.
During a search of DiMarco’s person and vehicle, law enforcement officers seized three ounces of methamphetamine and six guns. One of the guns (a pistol) was loaded and was found in a bag with most of the drugs. All of the drugs belonged to DiMarco.
On November 6, 2020, DiMarco pled guilty to possessing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
On March 4, 2021, U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker sentenced DiMarco under the federal sentencing guidelines, to the mandatory minimum sentence of 120 months on the drug count and 60 months on the firearms count, to run consecutively for a total of 180 months’ imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
The Jackson Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josh Morrow and Dean DeCandia prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – Orlando Mays, 41, has been sentenced to 88 months in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Acting United States Attorney announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, on October 24, 2019, after an investigation by the 28th Judicial West Tennessee Drug Task Force and the Brownsville Police Department, a search warrant was executed at Mays’ residence in Brownsville, Tennessee where law enforcement recovered in the master bedroom a Smith & Wesson, model M&P Shield, .40 caliber, an American Tactical 5.56/.223 caliber AR-style pistol with a large capacity drum and additional ammunition, a Glock Model 22 firearm with an extended magazine, two digital scales with marijuana residue, a Food Saver Vacuum Sealer with bags, sandwich bags, oven bags, a money counter, and more than $20,000 in currency.
Also found in Mays’ wallet were his U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Identification Card and Tennessee Identification Card. A search of vehicles belonging to Mays yielded a FN Five Seven, model 5.7x28 caliber firearm. The defendant pled guilty to possessing the Smith & Wesson, model M&P Shield.
Mays is a convicted felon having previously been convicted of Use of a Facility in Interstate Commerce in the Commission of Murder-For-Hire in which he was hired by the leader of a drug trafficking organization to murder two individuals. As a result of his felony convictions, Mays is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On March 4, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge J. Daniel Breen sentenced Mays to a total of 88 months imprisonment; 64 months for the firearm offense, and 24 months for violating the terms of his supervised release. He will also serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
"Mays is a convicted "hit man" and enforcer for the largest drug trafficking organization ever in the state of Tennessee. He was on supervised release from federal prison, living outside of his ordered requirements and trying to hide in small town Tennessee to conduct his criminal enterprise. However, small town Tennessee utilizes big town law enforcement who came together to put Mays back where he belongs, federal prison. I commend my Agents and all of those who participated on a job well done," said John Carter, Director of the West TN Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.
This case was investigated by the 28th Judicial West Tennessee Drug Task Force; the Brownsville Police Department; the Gibson County SWAT Team; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and U.S. Secret Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hillary Parham and Christie Hopper prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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